Light as a symbol of knowledge and hope. Designblok presents the theme and venues of its 28th edition
7. 1. 2026
Designblok will take place from 6 to 11 October 2026 and will introduce the theme Light, which will provide the philosophical and curatorial framework for its 28th edition. The largest design and fashion showcase in Central Europe will once again guide visitors to exceptional Prague venues and present a range of new exhibition projects. Profil Media, which in addition to Designblok also organises the Czech Grand Design Awards, the collectible design festival Křehký Mikulov and operates the Křehký brand, is bidding farewell to its Creative Director Jiří Macek after twenty-six years.
The central theme of this year’s Designblok will be Light—a symbol of knowledge, truth, hope and life. This year, the festival will focus on the influence and role of design in society, and on questions of how design can contribute to the development of human lives and to addressing the socio-economic challenges of today’s world. Curated exhibitions, exhibitors’ installations, discussions on the Designblok Stage, and the programme of the Designblok Talks conference will explore light in both practical and symbolic terms.
The main exhibition will present a showcase of lighting and lamps from Central Europe from the 1950s to the 1980s, curated by Eva Slunečková in cooperation with the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. At the National Gallery Prague, Maxim Velčovský will create a monumental light object for the Small Hall of the Trade Fair Palace under the curatorial guidance of Michal Novotný and Michaela Kádnerová. Installations and new works by leading Czech manufacturers and lighting designers will also be presented.
In cooperation with the Prague Castle Administration, Designblok continues to open exceptional buildings within one of the world’s largest castle complexes to the general public. The festival returns to the Prague Castle Riding School, and a special exhibition will also be created in the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the Second Courtyard.
“Jan Amos Comenius attributed to light the power to lead a person out of confusion and bring them to truth—placing the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment as the highest goal. In this broader context, we want to examine the influence and role of design in today’s world. Does design have the power to improve the state of the world? How does it contribute to the development and quality of human lives? What new order or momentum can it bring to solving the problems around us? Our exhibitions, discussions and lectures—including the programme of the Designblok Talks conference—will address these questions. Fiat lux!—Let there be light,” explained Jana Zielinski, Director of Designblok.
Designblok 2026 will be held from 6 to 11 October 2026; exhibitor applications will open in February 2026. Pre-sale tickets and more information are available at designblok.com.
